Having your university degree recognised abroad is a crucial step towards practising your profession outside Spain. The process may look complex, but it becomes far more manageable once you understand each stage and what is required. In this detailed guide we take you through degree recognition step by step, including relevant figures on recognition applications by Spanish students, the qualifications most often involved and the documents that require official translation and legalisation.
Key figures on the recognition of university degrees
Academic and professional mobility has increased significantly in recent decades. Every year thousands of Spanish students and professionals look for opportunities abroad, which has increased the need to have university degrees recognised in order to practise in other countries. According to recent figures, 40,200 applications for the recognition and equivalence of foreign degrees were processed in Spain in 2024, almost twice as many as in 2023, and around 80,000 are expected to be processed in 2025, according to the sources consulted.
The qualifications most often submitted for recognition tend to relate to regulated professions such as medicine, nursing, engineering and architecture. These disciplines require official validation because of the responsibility and the specific standards attached to practising them.
A key part of the recognition process is preparing the required documentation correctly. Many official documents have to be translated into the language of the destination country by means of a sworn translation and, in some cases, require special legalisation, such as the Hague Apostille, to certify their authenticity abroad.
If you need more information on how to obtain a sworn translation for your recognition documents, see our article “How to order a sworn translation: a step-by-step guide“. It sets out the requirements, the costs and where to find accredited official translators so that your application is valid abroad. Read up and speed up your recognition process.
Step 1 – Research and requirements in the destination country
Before starting the recognition process, it is essential to research the specific requirements of the country where you want to practise. Every country has its own rules and procedures for recognising foreign qualifications. Some have bilateral agreements with Spain that make the process easier, while others may require additional assessments or competence examinations.
Within the European Union, for example, there is mutual recognition of qualifications that simplifies professional mobility. For countries outside the EU, however, you may have to meet additional requirements, such as specific examinations or periods of supervised practice.
Step 2 – Gathering the necessary documents
Once you are clear about the requirements in the destination country, start gathering the documents you need. The specific documents may vary by country, but the following are generally required:
- Original degree certificate. The document certifying that you have completed your higher education.
- Academic transcript. A breakdown of the subjects taken, the marks obtained and the teaching hours for each one.
- Course syllabus. A detailed description of the content and length of each subject taken during the degree.
- Birth certificate. The document evidencing your identity and date of birth.
- Criminal record certificate. In some countries you have to show that you have no criminal record in order to practise certain professions.
It is important to check whether these documents require any form of legalisation or apostille to be valid in the destination country. The Hague Apostille certifies the authenticity of public documents and is a common requirement in many countries. To find out more about when it is needed and how to obtain it, see our article “The Apostille and sworn translation: when do you need both?”. Read up and make sure you meet all the legal requirements for your application.
Step 3 – Legalisation and apostille of documents
Legalising documents is a process that certifies their authenticity so that they are recognised abroad, as we saw above. There are two main methods:
- Hague Apostille. If the destination country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, this method simplifies legalisation through a single apostille. Spain is a party to the Convention, so many countries recognise apostilled documents issued on Spanish territory.
- Diplomatic or consular legalisation. For countries that are not party to the Hague Convention, a longer legalisation process is needed, involving several stages including certification by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in Spain. Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores (Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
It is essential to find out which method applies in the country where you plan to have your degree recognised.
Step 4 – Sworn translation of documents
A sworn translation is an official translation produced by an authorised translator who certifies that the translated document is faithful and accurate. This translation is needed when the original documents are in a language other than the one required by the authorities in the destination country.
In Spain, sworn translators are accredited by the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación (the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation). You can consult the official list of sworn translators to find an authorised professional.
It is advisable to have the translation done after obtaining the relevant apostille or legalisation, since those stamps also have to be translated; doing so avoids complications and wasted time.
Step 5 – Filing the recognition application
Once all the documents have been gathered, legalised and translated, the next step is to file the recognition application with the competent authority in the destination country. The process varies from country to country, but it generally involves:
- Completing an application form. Providing personal details and information about your academic background.
- Paying administrative fees. Some countries charge a fee for assessing your application.
- Submitting the documents. Presenting all the required documents, including translations and legalisations.
Having your university degree recognised abroad takes planning and patience, but with the right information it can be simpler than it looks. By following the steps in this guide, from gathering the documents to legalisation, translation and filing the application, you will be better prepared to get through the process without setbacks.
It is also essential to research the specific rules of the country where you want to practise well in advance. Recognition is quicker in some European countries, while in others it may involve additional examinations or periods of supervised practice. Knowing these requirements will help you avoid delays and difficulties.
If you are planning to move abroad, remember that alongside degree recognition there are other important formalities, such as obtaining a criminal record certificate or registering with the Spanish consulate, which may be additional requirements for working and living legally in another country. Preparing in advance will let you start this new chapter without surprises.
Frequently asked questions about translating and recognising academic qualifications
Response times vary depending on the country and the institution handling the application. In the European Union the process can take between 3 and 12 months, while in other countries it may stretch to 2 years.
It depends on the country where recognition takes place. If the destination country is party to the Hague Convention, the apostille is enough. If not, diplomatic legalisation will be required.
Regulated qualifications such as medicine, nursing, engineering and architecture tend to involve more requirements, but they are also the most frequently submitted. Other areas, such as business administration or communications, may have simpler procedures.
Generally, yes. If your documents are in Spanish and the destination country does not accept it as an official language, you will have to provide sworn translations certified by an official translator.
Yes. Recognition depends on the academic qualification and how it is recognised in the destination country, not on professional experience. Some professions may, however, require a competence test or additional examinations.
Costs vary by country, but may include administrative fees (between €100 and €500), sworn translation costs (approximately €50 per page) and legalisation or apostille (between €20 and €100 per document).
In Spain you can find sworn translators accredited by the Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores in its official list. At ALOS Idiomas we can translate your degree certificate and advise you throughout the recognition process.
It depends on the type of work. Some private companies may take you on without recognition, but for regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, engineers) it is usually compulsory.